Southery Playgroup celebrates outstanding Ofsted rating

A village pre-school has been hailed as outstanding following a new report by Ofsted inspectors.

Staff and youngsters at the Southery Playgroup have been celebrating the findings of the report, which saw the facility improve from the good rating it achieved during its last inspection in 2009.

Sue Vainu, the group’s assistant manager, said: “This is our first outstanding, so we’re absolutely over the moon.

“Our children are fantastic and that helps along the way.”

The latest report into the playgroup, which is based in the grounds of the village primary school in Westgate Street, follows a visit by inspector Deborah Hunt last month.

She said: “Children are cherished and respected as individuals and receive terrific support within a framework of security, care and warm, responsive interaction, which superbly promotes their rapid progress.

“Children flourish in the small and welcoming environment where everyone knows each other very well. Children quickly get to know the staff working at the playgroup, which means they settle easily.”

The group currently has 33 children on its roll, with a maximum of 16 in any one session. It runs morning, afternoon and all-day groups.

And the inspector said: “The small size of the playgroup means children receive lots of individual attention, providing excellent opportunities for staff to read with children, sing counting songs and explore imaginative play with them.”